Page 134 - Demo

132The grounds were impressive, with acres of attractive lawns, stately trees, and large brick structures of various ages and styles. John and I were at a mid-19th-century U.S. military installation that, since 1912, had become Indianapolis%u2019 Arsenal Technical High School. To this day, the school corporation renews its lease with the U.S. Army for a mere $1.00 per year, with the single proviso that a ROTC program be offered. While some of the original structures have been gone for decades, and numerous school buildings put up in their stead (classrooms, auditorium, stadium, media center), we could still sense the history that permeated the place.Mathew Rapp, who was in charge of campus maintenance and security, was to be our guide. When he asked what we%u2019d like to see, I responded with, %u201cWe like old stuff, particularly if it%u2019s been ignored for a 100 years.%u201d This was difficult to hear for an alum devoted to keeping his alma mater in tip-top shape. But, he thought for just a moment before suggesting the 1867 Arsenal Building%u2019s tower. It was soon obvious that the tower was not on a typical visitor%u2019s tour. The flights of well-worn steps appeared to hang precariously from the outer wall, with the inner sides tilting noticeably downward. While they didn%u2019t inspire confidence, Matt assured us they were solid, so upward we went.On the topmost floor, we stood before the workings of the tower%u2019s ancient clock, secured inside a glass-andwood enclosure. Also present was an odd assembly of giant gears and pulleys%u2014some several feet in diameter. These dated from when the building was first erected, Matt explained. Back then, the tower was open from up here, down to the ground, where wagons were unloaded or filled. The tower had, in fact, been a freight elevator. Over the years, the An Indiana ArsenalArsenal Building tower, United States Arsenal, 1867 (today, Indianapolis Technical High School)%u2014Indianapolis, Marion Co. (910.14)